Quaker Houghton
What is Quaker Houghton?
Quaker Houghton is an international manufacturer of industrial process fluids, providing solutions especially for the machinery industry and metal processing. The company was formed by the merger of Quaker Chemical and Houghton International, and operates globally in dozens of countries. Quaker Houghton develops and manufactures cutting fluids, slideway oils, hydraulic oils, and other fluids used in metalworking and surface treatment processes, utilized in CNC machining, rolling mills, and heavy machinery production.
Quaker Houghton in the Machinery Industry
In machine shops, Quaker Houghton is best known as a supplier of cutting fluids. The right cutting fluid has a direct impact on tool wear, surface roughness, and process stability. The company’s range includes water-soluble emulsions, synthetic and semi-synthetic fluids, as well as straight cutting oils for demanding turning, milling, and drilling applications.
Additionally, Quaker Houghton supplies slideway oils for machine guideways and hydraulic oils for power transmission in machines. These products are designed to ensure smooth movement, protect against wear, and prevent corrosion in the production environment. Process fluids form a vital part of the machining process alongside tools such as carbide cutting tools and the correct machining parameters.
Quaker Houghton's Product Segments
Quaker Houghton's product range covers the entire metal processing chain, from the steel industry to precision machining. The selection includes metal removal fluids, mill oils, quenching fluids, forming and drawing fluids, as well as various types of corrosion protectants. The company also develops fluids for processing aluminum, steel, and specialty alloys.
Quaker Houghton and Process Optimization
Quaker Houghton is more than just a chemicals supplier—it also offers process engineering expertise. The company bases its operations on application knowledge, with chemists and engineers analyzing the customer’s production process and optimizing fluid choices from a total cost perspective.
In a machine shop, this means, for example, monitoring cutting fluid concentration with a refractometer, overseeing emulsion quality, and controlling oil mist to improve workplace safety. The aim of process optimization is to extend fluid life, reduce downtime, and control total costs.
Quaker Houghton and Sustainability
Today, the development of industrial fluids emphasizes environmental requirements, occupational safety, and waste management. Quaker Houghton develops products that meet international regulations and reduce harmful emissions. This is reflected, for example, in low-aromatic cutting oils, controlled use of biocides, and longer maintenance intervals.
For machine shops, this means a better working environment, controlled oil mist, and less waste. Proper handling and recycling of process fluids are part of modern machining operations, where efficiency and responsibility go hand in hand.
Summary
Quaker Houghton is a global manufacturer of industrial process fluids, with solutions widely used in the machinery industry and CNC machining. The company’s range includes cutting fluids, slideway oils, hydraulic oils, and other fluids for metal processing. In machine shops, Quaker Houghton’s products have a direct impact on tool life, surface quality, and production efficiency.
